Youth and women: Intersection of identities in peace and security

The United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) underpin the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda. Resolution 2250 recognizes that young people play an important and positive role in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security. It acknowledges the positive, enduring impact that young people can have on the resolution of conflict and the process of peacebuilding. The YPS Agenda contributes to the sustainable peace agenda of the UN and the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the YPS Agenda recognizes the potential, ability and contribution of 1.8 billion young people from around the globe to resolving humanitarian conflicts, post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation, recovery and reconciliation. 

Both the YPS Agenda and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda seek to highlight the critical need to include identities marginalised and excluded from peace processes. While implementation of these Agendas has been far from consistent, there is promise in the eagerness displayed by the diversity of young people for the resolution of conflicts and the building of peace and security across the globe. 

The webinar will focus on the YPS Agenda in the light of the contribution that young people have historically made in peace processes, including the impact of durable peace on young people. Current global issues of concern as identified by young citizens will be discussed; including how these issues differ from, or are similar to priorities promoted by the UN or state bodies; and where there is overlap with the WPS Agenda. Specifically, the challenges and opportunities for the safe and equitable inclusion of young people in peace processes will be examined. Finally, the webinar will reflect on Australia's potential to promote the diversity of young people to participate as decision makers in global peace making. 

Speakers:

• Associate Professor Katrina Lee-Koo
• Dr Helen Berents
• Dr Primitivo Ragandang
• Dakshata Sharma

Facilitated by Arushi Ganguly, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the College of Asia and the Pacific